The program is organized by the Blaine Police Department with help from the Anoka-Hennepin, Spring Lake Park and Centennial School Districts, and their respective social workers. The social workers from each school select students they know could use a little extra help and would benefit most from this event.

Each student was paired with a “Hero”, a police officer, a firefighter, a sheriff deputy, a state trooper or an emergency medical services worker.

The Hero picked the student up at their school and transported them in their respective emergency vehicle to Target. Once at Target, the Hero helped the student shop for his or her family with a donated $125 gift card. After shopping, the Hero and the student wrapped their presents, took photos in the photo booth and then the Hero brought the student home.

Heroes and Helpers has been a huge success in past years due to strong partnerships. Event sponsors include Target, the Blaine Festival, the Blaine Police Federation, Petco and other private community members.

In nine years, the program has doubled in size, from 30 students to 60 students and is believed to be the largest Heroes and Helpers events in the greater metro area.